Nightlife

Category: Sustainability

  • Conference of Parties (COP28): Global and African partners pledge $175m to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA)

    Conference of Parties (COP28): Global and African partners pledge $175m to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 3, 2023/ — In a powerful signal of support during COP28, African and global institutions together with governments of Germany, France and Japan and philanthropies have pledged over $175 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent.

    The new pledges will also advance AGIA towards its first close of $500 million of early-stage project preparation and development blended capital. The Alliance is a partnership of the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, Africa50 and other partners. It works to unlock up to $10 billion private capital for green infrastructure projects and to galvanise global action to accelerate Africa’s just and equitable transition to Net-Zero.

    Among the signatories of the memorandum of intent were representatives of the African Development Bank, Africa50, France, Germany, Japan, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD), Proparco and the Three Cairns Foundation.

    The Union of the Comoros President and Chairperson of the African Union Azali Assoumani, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat witnessed the signing ceremony.

    Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mrs Svenja Schulze, said, “Germany is very pleased to join the launch of the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa. We congratulate the African Development Bank on this important Africa-led initiative and want to highlight AGIA’s commitment to the 1.5°C target and its dedication to accelerate Net-Zero emissions in Africa.”

    She added, “Today marks an important step towards our shared goal of a just and equitable green transition in Africa. Supporting the commitment towards green infrastructure, we are planning to contribute up to €26 million to AGIA starting in 2024.”

    Tomoyoshi Yahagi, Japan’s Deputy Vice-Minister of Finance, said, “As part of the pledge made by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday, Japan will provide US$10 million to AGIA to support Africa in undergoing a just and equitable transition to Net-Zero and achieving the 1.5°C pathway. We encourage other donors to contribute to this important initiative.”

    Emmanuel Moulin, Director General of the French Treasury, said, “By addressing the gap in funding green infrastructure project preparation and development, AGIA will play an instrumental role in Africa’s transition to Net-Zero. Directing concessional resources to such an initiative is in line with France’s vision and solidarity policy for sustainable investment in Africa. This is why we have supported AGIA since inception and we are glad that the Summit on a New Global Financing Pact further raised momentum for the initiative. We are therefore delighted to announce a contribution of €20 million to AGIA and we hope that our contribution will catalyse more private and concessional resources.”

    African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina said: “We need private sector financing at scale to tackle climate change and fill Africa’s huge infrastructure gap in a sustainable and climate-resilient manner. By working together and pooling our resources together through AGIA, we are committed to accelerating these efforts. The Bank Group plans to contribute up to $40 million, after approval from its Board of Directors.”

    Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA said, “We have pledged $40 million to support AGIA. We are glad to be part of this vital partnership, aiming at enabling transformational green infrastructure projects in Africa, and accelerating the continent’s transition to Net-Zero in a sustainable manner.”

    Alain Ebobissé, Africa50 CEO, said: “AGIA is set to become Africa’s largest fund focused on project development, which is a critical component to scale up the delivery of bankable green projects and help the continent achieve its climate goals. This initial fundraising round which includes strong African and international organisations is a great sign of investor confidence in AGIA. We are pleased to be part of this landmark initiative.”

    Serge Ekué, President of BOAD: “As part of our 2021–2025 Djoliba strategic plan, we have committed that about 25% of our new financing will be aimed at strengthening the resilience of our member countries to climate change. Our interest in AGIA reflects this ambition and will be in line with our strategic approach of mobilising increased climate resources in our region.”

    Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco said his company alongside the French government, “is proud to support AGIA, an initiative aiming to unlock Africa’s potential for green infrastructure by targeting one of its main constraints: the lack of existing bankable projects in this area. The innovative blended structure of the initiative will allow AGIA to mobilise and channel public and private resources towards project preparation and development, the riskier stages of any infrastructure project. In addition, With AGIA, we are one step closer to bridging the infrastructure gap in Africa and one-step further towards Net-Zero.”

    Mark Gallogly, cofounder of the Three Cairns Foundation, said, “We support AGIA’s mission to catalyse economic development and green infrastructure in Africa. More risk-tolerant, early-stage equity is essential to increase the number of clean energy and climate-related projects across the continent. We commend Africa50 for leading this initiative.”

    AGIA was launched a year ago at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and Africa50 and other partners.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    African Development Bank:
    Chawki Chahed
    media@afdb.org

    Africa50:
    Nana Boakye-Yiadom
    n.boakyeyiadom@africa50.com

    SOURCE
    African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
  • Nigeria Launches Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy At COP28

    Nigeria Launches Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy At COP28

    Nigeria has achieved what looks like another major milestone in her effort to achieve a net zero carbon economy by 2060 by launching its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy on Friday, December 1, 2023, at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

    The event, which was graced by dignitaries and delegates from different countries around the world, was held at the African Pavilion in the Blue Zone and was moderated by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Development, AEFUNAI, and Dr Eugene Itua, Executive Director of the Natural Eco Capital, the organisation that coordinated and led the development of the LT-LEDS, which was started under the supervision of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of the Environment, and concluded under the auspices of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

    Director General of the NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru, who was temporarily represented by Ms Halima- Bwa-Bari, stated that Nigeria was proud to launch the LT-LEDS, which is guaranteed to support sustainable development and climate resilient economy for the nation.

    Minister for Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who represented the Minister for Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said that the LTS was an important milestone in Nigeria’s effort to implement the country’s net-zero pledge made at COP26 in Glasgow. He said that Nigeria was committed to pursue the transition from a fossil fuel dependent economy to a low carbon future in keeping with the global trend and the Paris Agreement and urged international development partners to support the implementation of the LT-LEDS.

    Global Director of the NDC Partnership, Mr. Pablo Vieria, said that Nigeria should be very proud of accomplishment. He stated that by developing the LTS, Nigeria is joining a distinguished group of countries that are exhibiting leadership in developing a clear strategy to decarbonise their economies in response to global climate change. He urged the country to take the next step in adopting the LT-LEDS and pledged the NDC Partnership’s cooperation in this regard.

    Head Climate and Nature at the French Development Agency (AFD), Ms Mathide Bord-Laurans, congratulated Nigeria on launching the LT-LEDS. She said that AFD was delighted to have provided support to the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University under the Nigeria Deep Decarbonisation Project (DDP), which enabled the Centre to lead the creation of scenarios and the modelling work that went into the development of the LT-LEDS. She pledged that the Bank would stand firmly by Nigeria and support investments that are geared towards the implementation of the LT-LEDS.

    Mr. Richard Baron, Executive Director of the 2050 Pathways Platform, expressed his joy at having assisted Nigeria in the design of the LT-LEDS and the precursor document, the Long-Term Vision (LTV 2050) which was also developed by Natural Eco Capital for Nigeria and submitted to the UNFCCC in 2021, served as the initial first step to the LT-LEDS.

    He stated that the LT-LEDS was developed in collaboration with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, making it a truly national document of which Nigeria could be proud.

    He expressed his delight that the modelling work for the LT-LEDS was done by Nigerian academics at the CCCD-AEFUNAI, led by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, and praised the collaboration between the Nigeria Deep Decarbonisation Project, the 2050 Pathways, the National Council on Climate Change, and Natural Eco Capital, with Dr Eugene Itua as the National Coordinator, which resulted in the creation of a high-quality document.

    In his closing remarks, the Director General of the NCCC, who had now arrived at the event in person, stated that while the launch of the LT-LEDS was a significant milestone, he would like to see all hands on deck to ensure that the document does not sit on the shelf but that the many projects identified in the documents are translated into practical investment. He stated that the two important next steps are the creation of an LT-LEDS Implementation Plan and the mobilisation of capital from domestic and internal sources to implement the LT-LEDS.

    Miss Chioma Amudi, Desk Officer at the NCCC, noted that translating the LT-LEDS into investments would require finance, effective stakeholder engagement, and adequate institutions, among other key factors.

    Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment of the Federal House of Representatives, pledged the support of the national parliament in implementing the LT-LEDS.

    By Gboyega Olurufemi, Senior Climate Change Analyst and Fellow at the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria

    First published in environewsnigeria.com

    PREVIOUS

  • President Ramkalawan addresses the 28th session of the Conference of Parties of UNFCC World Climate Action Summit

    President Ramkalawan addresses the 28th session of the Conference of Parties of UNFCC World Climate Action Summit

    02nd December 2023

    1st December 2023, Dubai UAE: The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan during his address at the Twenty-eighth session of the Conference of Parties of UNFCC (COP28).to which he led a Seychelles delegation, highlighted the urgency for collective action and the need for commitments made to be honoured as part of efforts to mitigate the heightened threats of climate change particular vis-à-vis Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Seychelles.

    “In our shared pursuit of a sustainable future, the urgency of our deliberations here in Dubai cannot be overstated. As parties to the convention, we committed to deliver on commitments such as the USD100 billion promise, Scaling up Adaptation Finance, New Collective Quantified Goal on Finance and most recently the Loss and Damage Fund.

    “We are yet at another COP and I am disheartened to state that most of these commitments are yet to be fulfilled despite the urgency required to address the climate crisis” President Wamkalawan added.

    The President joined over 170 world leaders for the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) being held during the United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP 28High-level segment, where he delivered his National Statement earlier yesterday afternoon.

    The summit echoed the critical need for World Leaders to implement and transform key climate related decisions into concrete actions and credible plans.

    “As Leaders, I call for your unwavering shift in political-will that will translate into concrete actions so as to confine global temperature rise within the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

    “Small Island Developing States are on the frontline of climate change, facing rising sea levels, coastal erosion, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the loss of vital ecosystems. Whether we are high income, low income or among the Least Developed countries, our specificities are the same and what the industrialised nations emit have a direct impact on our coastlines and livelihoods. We are simply islands floating in the ocean, and therefore we must be treated as a unique and separate category when it comes to assisting us. I call on SIDS to unite and support each other” said President Ramkalawan.

    Speaking to the summit, the Head of State also emphasised the real life negative effects affecting the small island archipelago as well as the enormity of the financial burdens inflicted on such a small nation as Seychelles.

    “As I speak, my country is experiencing devastating impacts of climate change, specifically damage to the coastline and critical coastal infrastructure caused by higher tides, frequent storm surges and heavy rainfall.

    “Coupled with other impacts, these are endangering the livelihoods of my people and our Islands. A recent comprehensive survey only on the main populated granitic islands of Seychelles conducted by our technical team estimated around USD 22 million is needed for road infrastructure works and other measures to mitigate coastal erosion.

    “Our updated NDC highlighted a further USD600 million will be required over the next 10 years, for both mitigation and adaptation sector, translating to 5% of GDP annually or 10% of the annual budget. If we are to add the disaster happening to our coralline outer islands, that figure could be doubled, let alone tripled.

    “Like many SIDS, 90 per cent of the country’ infrastructure and human activities occur along its low-lying coastal areas and are thus vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

    “The current trajectory means Seychelles’ economy stands to be severely undermined, whereby forcing us to divert much needed finance to environment protection, instead of investing in education, health, sports, agriculture, food security, modernisation and giving our people a better standard of living” stressed President Ramkalawan.

    He further placed emphasis on the critical need for the Loss and Damage Fund created last year and the Multi-Dimensional Index (MVI) initiative to take into consideration the true vulnerabilities of all SIDS fairly, rather than penalising them for their High-income status. He further highlighted the climate change plight where SIDs are battered by climate change and severe increased threats to their very existence.

    “My point is simple: Don’t categorise islands into economic bands but treat all islands in the same manner and allow all of us to have access to the Loss and Damage Fund. We all lose from the damage you cause, yet we clean up our emissions and help mop up those of industrialised nations.

    The message is loud and clear: Seychelles is a committed partner that can be trusted. We believe in what we preach and we walk the talk. The evidence is there. However, we cannot do it alone. We need the financial support of the whole world. The metaphorical hourglass is dwindling. COP 28 presents a pivotal call to action to build climate resilience before the last grain of sand slips away. In unity and determination, let us seize this moment to reverse our course and forge a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. Let’s not leave anyone behind”, concluded the President.

    Prior to attending the COP28 High-Level National Statement segment, President Ramkalawan attended the opening ceremony held in the morning where he was welcomed at the Dubai Expo City site by His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres.

    SOURCE

    (State House News Alert)

     

     

  • COP28: Who are the big name attendees?

    COP28: Who are the big name attendees?

    BY 
    NOVEMBER 30, 2023

    Representatives of 197 countries who are ‘parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will participate at COP28

    The United Nations’ Conference of Parties ’28’ (COP28) has begun in Dubai, UAE. The conference, starting on November 30 until December 12, will see heads of states, governments and representatives attend the event.

    From CEOs to presidents, from investors to monarchs, celebrities to climate activists and advocates, spiritual leaders to indigenous leaders, are among the 97,000 delegates who have registered to be in attendance at the climate conference. More than 70,000 politicians, diplomats, campaigners, financiers and business leaders are expected to be in Dubai to talk about correcting the world’s slide toward global warming.

    Global leaders at COP28

    Representatives of 197 countries who have signed or are ‘parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will participate primarily through debates and negotiations.

    The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed along with his senior ministers will be in attendance as UAE is the host country.

    Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology has been on site welcoming delegates from across the world.

    Global leaders including UK’s King Charles III, and the British PM Rishi Sunak will be at the event. EU President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India are expected to be in attendance.

    US Vice President Kamala Harris and John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, will represent the US at COP28.

    World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will be at the conference. He will lobby for health considerations to be embedded in climate policy, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its head Rafael Grossi are pushing for nuclear power to have a crucial role in the energy transition.

    Jim Skea, the newly elected head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is also due to attend COP28.

    The software billionaire, Bill Gates, has confirmed his attendance at Cop28, calling it an “important opportunity to check on the world’s progress”. Michael Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News, who is also UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, is expected at the conference. Additionally, Al Gore, US vice president from 1993 to 2001, is a regular participant at climate events after leaving office, and could be spotted at Expo City Dubai.

    Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio is likely to be among the big Hollywood names in attendance, as he has positioned himself as a climate action advocate. Other celebrities Idris Elba, Matt Damon, Stella McCartney and Ella Goulding. Actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador Idris Elba spoke at the World Government Summit, held in the UAE back in February.

    COP28: Who is not attending

    The three biggest names to give the climate conference a miss are Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden. The US President has sent in his second-in-command Kamala Harris in his stead.

    Additionally, China’s President Xi Jinping will also not be at the summit.

    Pope Francis, had originally intended to attend but has cancelled his trip to Dubai, as he recovers from the flu, the Vatican said in a statement.

    The other state leaders who will not attend the COP28 include – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a statement from Israel’s Foreign Ministry. Neither Syrian President Bahar Assad nor Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will be in Dubai.

    SOURCE

    Gulf Business

  • About African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Industry Summit-ACEACFMS 2023

    About African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Industry Summit-ACEACFMS 2023

    ACCRA, Ghana, November 29, 2023/- As the day for the largest international Summit for the building, construction and real estate industry maiden event in Ghana, the African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Industry Summit (ACEACFMS 2023), draws closer, confirmations are coming in from both in-person and virtual participants within Ghana, Africa, Canada, Australia & New Zealand among others

    West African Sub-region

    Some of the high profile in-person participants from the West African sub-region who have confirmed their participation are, Engr Dr. Modasiru Bola (Principal Partner Prolarank Nigeria Limited currently, the National Secretary General of the Nigeria Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers and Engr Essono Alain, Training Consultant, the National Civil Engineers Association of Cameroon.

    Outside Africa

    Confirmations for virtual participation has already been received from Canada, Australia & New Zealand as well as South Africa.

    Being organized as collaborative effort between the Africa Continental Engineering & Construction Network (ACECN) and GM Bamboo Eco-City Ltd, the expects a total participant score of thousand (1000+), about 500 Ghanaian and foreign in-person participants and 200 virtual and 300 virtual international participants with particular reference to those from Angola, Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, The Gambia and Togo.

    Aims & Objectives

    By far, it is the singular and most impactful Sustainability Summit that brings together all sector players across the African continent to discuss industry best practices, contemporary innovations and technologies that have the potential of influencing decision making for a resilient African Engineering, Construction and Real Estate Industry and by extension, creating a high-level business networking opportunity for all stakeholders both locally and across the globe.

    The objective is to set the stage for the transitioning of the conventional built environment to a sustainable built environment whilst creating opportunity for high-end business networking to foster synergy and high-level business partnerships/collaborations for corporate growth and for the African continental prosperity at large.

    Who to Attend

    Influential building contractors, road contractors, professional practicing civil engineers, electrical engineers, surveyors, planners, architects, project managers, real estate developers, building and construction material/equipment suppliers, glaziers and fabricators.

    Also included are, interior deco professionals/companies, roofing companies/technicians, transport & logistics companies, facility management institutions/professionals, construction project financiers, investors, project insurance institutions, artisans among others.

    Being held for the first time under the theme: INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION THROUGH THE USE OF DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGIES, the organizers plan to make it a most bespoke annual industry event.

     Benefits to be derived by Participants

    The event seeks to create an enabling business environment and opportunity for participants to land big contracts, seal potential partnership deals, boost sales, build strong network with the most influential industry players, get signed on to top-rated projects/contractors/professionals across the African continent and beyond has finally come.

    “You have the opportunity to interact with and do business with our principal sponsors and consultants among few are, GM-Bamboo Eco-City Ltd, Rockville Construction Ltd, B5 Plus Group, Aya Fabrications & Engineering Ltd, Premier Steel Ltd, Neuce Paints Ltd, Primus Group, the McDan Group, Eris Properties, Ezojam Ltd, etc.,” said,Sir Daniels Kontie, President to ACECN.

    African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Summit Partners

    The event Partners include, the Ghana Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET-GH), the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), the Ghana Institution of Architects (GhIA), the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG), the Ghana Institution of Planners (GhIP), the Association of Road Contractors, Ghana, (ASROC), among several others.

    African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Summit Principal Sponsors/Partners

    The Principal Sponsors and partners of the event include, Premier Steel Ltd, Youngi Design Consult Ltd, McDan Group, Aya Toptech & Fabrication Ltd, Bamboo Eco-City, Berock Construction Ltd, G-IBF Ltd, among several others.

    Event Opening

    Chief Guest of Honour: H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA;

    Guest of Honour/Main Keynote Speaker: ING. MRS. CARLIEN BOU-CHEDID, Earthquake and Structural Engineer; Former President of Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) and Immediate Past President of Federation of African Engineering Organizations

     Guest of Honour/Keynote Speaker: DASEBRE KWESI EWUSI VII, the Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area, Central Region of Ghana Past Member of Council of State, Former Vice President National House of Chiefs, Former President Central Region House of Chiefs;

     Guest of Honour/Keynote Speaker: DR. DANIEL MCKORLEY Executive Chairman of McDan Group of Companies

    Host Opening Remarks and Individual Introductory Messages to One Another The host will welcome the participants to the African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Industry Summit. The host will facilitate the individual introductions and offer an overview of the summit objectives and upcoming agenda for the day.

    You are Sustainable Built Environment Industry by MR. DANIEL KONTIE, President and CEO, African Continental Engineering & Construction Network, The Organizers of the Built Environment Sustainability Summit. The Organizer of the Built Environment Sustainability Summit will explain the significance of the summit and the strategic networking and knowledge dissemination campaigns that guide our work.

    Plenary Sessions

    Main Keynote Address Integrating Sustainable Built Environment Industry for Socio-economic Transformation Through the use of Digital Twin Technologies by ING. MRS. CARLIEN BOU-CHEDID, Earthquake and Structural Engineer; Former President of Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) and Immediate Past President of Federation of African Engineering Organizations

    Keynote Talk I

    Providing Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management Services for Socio-Economic Transformation of the Sustainable Built Environment Industry DR. DANIEL MCKORLEY Executive Chairman of McDan Group of Companies

    Keynote Talk III Land Dispute Resolution Sustainable Land Acquisition for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in the face of Climate Crisis DAASEBRE KWEBU EWUSI VII, The Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area in the Central Region, Past Member of Council of State, Former Vice President National House of Chiefs, Former President Central Region House of Chiefs

    Technical Sessions Workshops Oral Presentations

    Refocusing Ghana’s EARTHQUAKE Preparedness and Response for Socio-Economic Transformation Through the use of Digital Twin Technologies ING. MRS. CARLIEN BOU-CHEDID, Earthquake and Structural Engineer

    Refocusing Ghana’s FLOOD Preparedness and Response for Socio-Economic Transformation Through the use of Digital Twin Technologies PROF. DIVINE AHADZIE, Head of Centre for Settlement Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Transforming the Built Environment through the use of Sustainable Materials – BAMBOO PRODUCTS AND LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES – based on the Digital Twin Technologies by ING. PROF. EMMANUEL APPIAH-KUBI

    African Continental Sustainable Built Environment Industry Excellence Awards Ceremony

    The categories of the event awards ceremony component include the following: Excellence in Technology & Innovation Award 2. Excellence in Environmental Sustainability and Green Financing Award 3. Emerging Green Business Award 4. Excellence in Professional Service Award and 5. Supreme Business Excellence Award

    Date: 14th  December,2023

    Time: 9.00-5.00 pm

    Venue:De-Icon Conference Centre,East Legon,Accra

    Note to Editors

    AFRICA CONTINENTAL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION NETWORK (ACECN)

    Since its establishment five years ago, ACECN has been at the forefront of the construction and engineering industry in the region, undertaking diverse projects of varying scales and complexities.

    Media Contact: Mr. Daniel Kontie; Phone no.: 0209032280; E-mail: info@acecnltd.com, d.kontie@acecnltd.com;

    Website: http://www.acecnltd.com/

     GM BAMBOO ECO-CITY LTD. is a fully integrated Urban Farm Eco-City design, investment, development and management Limited Liability Company based in Ghana.

     Media Contact: Engr. Samuel Worwui; Phone no.: 0509160497; E-mail: Samuel.worwui@gmail.com, info@bambooecocity.com; Website: www.bambooecocity.com

    Event registration link:   https://forms.gle/KTRCNVY2Lppssf9o9

     

  • About Promoting a Just Circular and Blue Economy Transition in Africa

    About Promoting a Just Circular and Blue Economy Transition in Africa

    Mohammed A. Abu

    The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of South Africa based Sustainable Seas Trust(SST), Janine Osborne has declared that, her organization’s work will focus on strengthening existing multi-lateral partnerships (specifically with the Abidjan and Nairobi conventions, and WIOMSA) to promote a just transition for Africa to a circular and blue economy through supporting its African partners’ response to the incipient global plastics treaty.

    “While securing multiple funding sources beyond this generous grant remains a priority, SST is truly grateful to the Norwegian government for their continued partnership and support of our ambitious vision” she stated.

    Janine Osborne made the observations following a formal grant signing ceremony between her organization and the Norwegian Ambassador to South Africa who signed on behalf of his home government.

    The signing ceremony was followed by a field trip during which SST accompanied the Norwegian Embassy delegation and the Ambassador to the Motherwell Community and Enviro-Hub, which SST has supported over the last few years.

    Janine Osborne further intimated, “It’s a great local example of the community work we support and the significant change that is possible through meaningful partnerships”. Adding “Together, we’ll sustain Africa’s seas”.

    Sustainable Seas Trust(SST), is a science-based organization working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent

    The organization works towards uplifting and sustaining solutions that will enable the blue economy. Through education, research and targeted action, as well as partnerships it endeavors to curb the risk of marine pollution through integrating waste management principles into value chains

    To realize the goal of a sustainable blue economy for Africa, the organization believes there is the need to first start on land.

  • About Acceleration of Africa’s Reconstruction & Development

    About Acceleration of Africa’s Reconstruction & Development

    ………. As Summit Session Holds  Via Zoom   

    Story: Mohammed A. Abu

    Amidst the geopolitical tensions and fragmentations, emerging new alliances and the evolutionary process the global financial infrastructure is currently going through, Dr. Alexander Chisango, President of the World Economic Congress has called on Africans to look inwardly in finding solutions to the continent’s myriad of development challenges rather than  banging  too much hope on others elsewhere.

    Dr. Chisango who was speaking during a zoom meeting on Thursday on the topic, “Discussion: Acceleration of Africa’s Reconstruction”, noted that, what was more crucial for Africans to do, was to well package, rebrand and market themselves as a people who respect themselves and people who deserve respect and honour.

    Hosted by the World Economic Congress in Partnership with El-Ecojay Developments Group & African Partner Agencies for Reconstruction within the context of a weekly series of Africa Reconstruction & Development Summit Sessions, the event brought together high profile participants from across the continent.

    Touching on the nagging issue of being aligned to the West or East, Brinks, or G20 and so on, Dr. Chisango noted that, Africa need to be circumspect on the matter bearing in mind what best suits Africa’s own economic interest eventually.

    The issue of regional blocs’ alienation he noted, was one that isn’t of common knowledge to many Africans including traditional rulers, local government authorities, among others. That being the case, it could eventually be a “We and them” affair as in the time past.

    Africans Dr. Chisango said, should strive to become what they are uniquely as a people rather than having to be referenced to as belonging to either here or there.

    Touching on the celebration and fun fair that has come to be associated with some natural resources discoveries in Africa with particular reference to oil, he observed that, it is not merely the discovery that matter but to what extent has the exploitation of the resources impacted the lives of the people meaningfully is what is most important.

    He lamented how Africans in resource rich countries would grow old and die without feeling any direct meaningful benefit of their country’s natural resources endowment in their lifetime.

    Dr. Chisango noted that there was the need to draw lessons from the exploits of others elsewhere as it relates to natural resource impact so as to be guided by them and avoid making mistakes of the past . Discussions on natural resources impact results and issue of sustainability, he said was crucial.

    In discussing Africa’s development challenges and efforts there was the need to interrogate how, where, why did an endeavor fail, what has become better after the coup in Mali, Burkina Faso and what has become worse do matter.

    Planning and vision Dr. Chisango emphasized, was very crucial and minus which people perish adding that, the is the need to trend “who we are, where we must be and what we want to become”.

    The zoom meetings on the reconstruction of Africa Dr. Chisango disclosed, would be in series and would entail clusters.

    Various participants made contributions bordering on the relevance of finding solutions to the Africa’s development challenges, the new wave of African youth consciousness and their contributions towards changing the Africa narrative, the need for inter relationship between politics and economics, among others.

     

  • From COP27 to COP28 – key factors for Africa ahead of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference

    From COP27 to COP28 – key factors for Africa ahead of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference

    Opinion Piece By:Tshepo Ntsane, Sustainable Finance Transactor at Rand Merchant Bank 

    The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) represents an important international forum for countries to gather to discuss and address global climate change issues. However, to date these conferences have tended to be high level and process based, and COP 27 was no exception. – negotiations took place and some of the highlights included the historic establishment of the loss and damage fund which was seen as setting a precedent for climate justice.

    However, agreements on other matters such as phasing out of fossil fuels and setting peaking periods for emissions were not achieved. For African countries in particular, COP 28 marks an important pivot point around funding, just transition and the Nairobi Declaration. There will be a push for realisations on commitments made, and innovative funding mechanisms to drive accelerated climate action now and beyond.

    Making good on promises

    During previous COPs significant commitment were made by developed countries around funding and financial support to help developing nations transition. COP27 saw a funding announcement of about $105 million by eight donor governments to support countries facing the worst effects of climate change, including Senegal, The Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe.

    The pledge adds new funding to the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), augmenting the $413 million pledged by 12 other donor countries at COP26.

    However, while numerous promises have been made, no concrete action has yet been taken. Of the commitments made at COP15 to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries for climate action, only a quarter – has been achieved. In addition, one of the main concerns raised with the financing is the fact that a large proportion are structured as loans, thereby imposing a debt burden on already debt-stressed developing countries.

    Other issues include transparency of the agreements and timelines for the funding. For many African countries to move forward, these challenges need to be addressed. This will likely be a topic of focus at COP28, as countries in the region look to achieve their own targets for carbon and emissions reduction.

    Not just about transition

    For many developing countries in Africa still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the issue of transition is not limited to cleaner, environmentally friendly sources of fuel. Entire communities are often built around fossil fuels, such as in South Africa where, in the Mpumalanga province, entire local economies are dependent on the mining of coal.

    When coal-based fuels are phased out and coal mines closed, the impact on people in the coal value chain, including these vulnerable communities and economies that are built around coal mines, will be significant.

    A just transition also involves the reskilling and upskilling of people reliant on coal for their livelihood to ensure they remain productive members of society who contribute to the economy. The timing and funding of skills development initiatives are still up for debate.

    Funding the commitments

    Climate resilience is something all countries are looking to implement, but countries in Africa have unique challenges as well as unique resources and strengths that we need to play to. During COP27 the concept of carbon credit markets and carbon offset schemes emerged, which would allow companies to buy carbon credits to offset their own emissions.

    This would not only open up a potential market for carbon offset projects and investment opportunities for developing countries, it would also help to channel resources into projects that deliver real benefits.

    However, once again the issue of transition reaches beyond transition to transforming African economies. This starts with access to clean energy. The Nairobi Declaration proposes new financing mechanisms to help countries in Africa unlock funding for transition and promote sustainable use of resources to help the region contribute toward global decarbonisation.

    One of the declarations from the Climate Summit in Kenya included a call for developed countries to honour their commitment to provide $100 billion in annual climate finance, as promised 14 years ago at the Copenhagen conference. Furthermore, it included proposals for new debt relief and restructuring interventions and instruments such as extension of sovereign debt tenor and inclusion of a 10-year grace period.

    COP28 will need to see developed countries make good on their funding commitments, while Africa moves forward with an aligned strategy to ensure just transition without leaving anybody behind.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.

    SOURCE
    Rand Merchant Bank

  • Climate Justice and Just Societal Transition to Green Economy gets Major Boost

    Climate Justice and Just Societal Transition to Green Economy gets Major Boost

    Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke has been elected Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (UNESCO-TWAS) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to science and its promotion in the developing world.

    The Nigeria born Okereke is a Professor in Global Governance and Public Policy in the School for Policy Studies, Bristol University, UK, and Director for the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria.

    He is a globally recognised leading scholar on global climate governance and international development with specialism on the justice dimensions of the international climate regime and just societal transitions to the green economy.

    Okereke has a strong track record of cutting-edge and high-impact research focused on understanding and addressing systemic barriers to economic and social inclusion in the context of climate policy and green economy transitions,

    He has made significant contributions to scholarship on several areas such as: (i) understanding how different conceptions of justice influence global climate governance and the implications for climate-resilient sustainable development in developing countries; (ii) advancing the theory of theory of climate governance through his various works that focus on the activities of non-nation state actors in climate governance; and (iii) advancing knowledge and practice of climate governance and green growth transitions in Africa where his work has had a far-reaching impact on public policy and practice across the continent.

    He also worked with a diverse array of stakeholders to mobilise research to shape climate governance in Africa including drafting a climate change law in Nigeria, modelling Nigeria’s long-term low-carbon development strategy, designing African Unions’ Adaptation Initiative, and drafting the first ever national green growth plan in Africa, for the Government of Rwanda.

    Professor Okereke’s academic merit and international research leadership status is affirmed through his leadership roles in multiple high-profile global Scientist Assessment Projects and networks including as Coordinating Lead Author, of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Sixth Assessment Report.

    He is a visiting professor at London School of Economics and Senior Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford.

    He is also a leading member of the Global Earth Commission’s Safe and Just Transformation Working Group and Coordinator of African Forum Climate Change, Energy and Development (AFCEED) the leading African Network of scholars, policy makers and practitioners working on climate change and sustainability transitions in Africa.

    Commenting on the award, Okereke said: “I am delighted to have been elected Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (UNESCO-TWAS).

    “It means a lot to me because I have always been driven by a desire to highlight the challenges faced by developing countries in addressing climate change while also pursuing economic growth as well as the opportunities to leverage climate action to build resilience and achieve economic growth.

    “Developing countries face multiple challenges related to colonial legacy and unjust international economic order which work to the advantage of advanced countries. I believe that approaching climate governance from the framework of justice enables us to tackle, not just the issue of climate pollution, but also the more fundamental question of global equity and fairness needed to ensure that everyone can lead a decent life regardless of where they are born.

    “I grew up in a very rural village in Old Eastern Nigeria. I played naked under the rain, swam and drank water from the brownish local river, went to school for the most time barefooted, studied under the big akparata tree in the local school, hunted rats and rabbits with my age-mates and sang with other children under the moonlight.

    “I experienced the joy of growing up in the natural environment and am passionate to see that economic development for all the good things it brings does not impose existential risk on our environment and the lives of people on the planet.

    “This recognition encourages me to continue to work as there is still quite a long way to go to achieve climate justice for the vulnerable countries of the world.”

    Okereke is among 47 Fellows elected by the Academy.

    SOURCE

    Centre for Climate Change & Development

    PREVIOUS

  • Zanzibar to Scale Up MPA Conservation Management

    Zanzibar to Scale Up MPA Conservation Management

    Mohammed A. Abu

    Makame O. Makame, a Director of Marine Conservation Department of the Zanzibar Ministry of Blue Economy & Fisheries, has lauded the Self-Assessment Tool(SAT) a component of Marine Mammals Management Toolkit, for having made the country to understand their current capabilities and limitations in Marine Protected Area(MPA) management.

    Supported by the factsheets, the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) enables MPA managers to assess the extent to which marine mammals are included in their respective management plans.

    To this end, Mr. Makame disclosed that, the Ministry has planned various activities that will help to improve upon their management framework on marine mammal conservation.

    The activities he said included, a future plan of launching, whale tourism, establishing a sanctuary for dolphins in the country’s marine Biodiversity Conservation Area(MBCA) among others.

    SAT, he said was an invaluable tool in MPA management that helped them to understand the existing situation, and is indeed an eye opener tool that helped them to understand better marine mammal conservation.

    “The tool is very important. We need it” he intimated

    Mr. Makame was speaking on Thursday during  and hour and half  long international webinar on Marine Mammals Management Toolkit, in West Africa intended to introduce the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit, an innovative tool for effectively managing marine mammals in and around MPAs.

    The Marine Mammal Twinning, part of the EU-funded Ocean Governance Project, hosted the webinar in collaboration with the Abidjan Convention and the Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone (PRCM).

    The toolkit is being developed within the framework of the “Marine mammals, a way to enhance cooperation between Marine Protected Areas” twinning is part of the Ocean Governance project

    Held under the theme, “Towards effective management of marine mammals in West Africa: The Marine Mammals Management Toolkit.”, the webinar drew over seventy international participants

    Western African Aquatic Mammals

    The introduction of the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit comes on the back of the MOU on Western African Mammals which was concluded under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and came into effect on 3 October 2008.

    It will remain open for signature indefinitely. It aims to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for manatees and small cetaceans of Western Africa and Macaronesia and their habitats and to safeguard the associated values of these species for the people of the region.

    Various threats, including direct and accidental catch, coastal development, pollution and habitat degradation, have caused West African marine mammal populations to decline rapidly.

    These issues require action at a national, regional and global level. Efforts to protect marine mammals and raise awareness of their conservation needs include the convening of meetings, the undertaking of studies and field activities, the adoption of legal instruments, as well as the development of international agreements.